Mealy Mountain preparing for culture week

Patty Mahoney from the Labrador Friendship Centre teaches students how to make mini sealskin boots. - Contributed

School seeking more cultural ambassadors

HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, N.L. —

Mealy Mountain Collegiate in Happy Valley-Goose Bay is holding its third annual Culture week this month.

The event, taking place March 19-22, will provide students with opportunities to learn about the culture and traditions of Labrador and of those from other provinces and countries.

Doug Adams teaching students mini Komatik making.

“We have so many cultures here in the school and we wanted to do something different,” said Valerie Hart, guidance counsellor and one of the event organizers. “We just wanted to capture it so that everybody felt like they could share something about their culture that they want other people to learn about.”

The school has students from Labrador, Newfoundland, India, Philippines, United States, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Ghana, Bulgaria, and the United Kingdom. Hart said they wanted something for everyone to showcase where their family comes from.

She said in the past they’re had such notable local musicians as Jacinda Beals and Richard Neville perform and talk about their experiences. Hart said community members also volunteer their time and expertise in various activities such as sealskin making, art, mini-Komatik making, music and singing, dance, cooking, storytelling, knitting, and boil-ups.

Hart said in the past, they’ve also hosted Northern games for a week during gym class time, whereby students participate in this special competition.

The students get really engaged in it, Hart said, and enjoy learning about the various cultures.

The school is also looking for some cultural ambassadors could pass along a cultural tradition or activity for the event. Those interested can contact Valerie Hart at 896-5331 or Dave Rumbolt at 896-3366.